Ultralight Gear V Bushcraft Gear | What's better? YOUR KEY ITEMS REVIEWED

Is it worth going ultralight? I take a look at ultralight gear versus standard bushcraft gear to help you decide what to choose for your
The Nordic Pocket Chainsaw and bacho laplander folding saw versus the Kevlar saw.
Alpine Lightweight Mug and Jet boil , Steel mug and stanley adventure cup.
Pocket rocket and the heximin cooker.
French Foreign Legion Ultralight cooker - BCB Dragon Gel
Spirit burner and Hungarian Cook set.
Please note: I am not sponsored by the kit companies and I was not given any freebies to make this video.
Nordic pocket chainsaw: geni.us/SPCYG
Laplander folding saw: geni.us/awQRMy
Crusader mug: geni.us/aBOXy
Jet boil: geni.us/eXzhQuU
Stanley cup: geni.us/oapZ5
Nalgene bottle: geni.us/o7LNsOe
Fire proof gloves: geni.us/U6Y3N
MSR Pocket Rocket: geni.us/m56oU
Trangia burner: geni.us/TIHo0NO
The video and/or the description may contain some affiliate links. This means if you buy one of the products we recommend, we’ll make a small commission which helps us continue to make 100% videos. We never recommend anything we haven’t used or don’t 100% believe in.
I hope you like this video: Ultralight Gear V Bushcraft Gear | What's better? KEY items reviewed
It part of our bushcraft essential series: / hiddenvalleybushcraft
The Hidden Valley Bushcraft Team.

[@banksarenotyourfriends]

I love how kit that is marketed as 'emergency/survival' kit is always exactly the sort of thing you wouldn't want to rely on if you were going through an emergency or survival situation. They're made by the sort of people that would market a ball of string as 'compact ultralight survival rope'.

[@Pete_FamilyLapkinLifeFan]

@@banksarenotyourfriends My Pocket Rocket is simple and pretty much bomb proof( or has been for years) until... the temps here in Montana go down to -20C. Then not so much. Then it's my Coleman fuel backpacking stove. I agree about banks :) Gold and silver are my friends ✌✌👍👍👍👍

[@banksarenotyourfriends]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Pete was actually replying to something else I'd said, but I edited it to include a source and KZbin deleted the comment... The summary of what I said is that, Butane is more efficient (by weight and by volume) than meths is, by about 30%.

[@bolby5081]

My two cents is that there is a big difference between ultralight gear and "going ultralight". The former is a marketing term, and the latter has more overlap with bushcraft than a lot of people think. "Going ultralight" has a lot to do with simply carrying less stuff-- the lightest gear in the world is still heavy if you carry enough of it. Like Mors Kochanski said, "the more you know, the less you carry". The absolute essentials are generally the heaviest, and what I'll pay a bit more for to keep from cutting corners. If I want to shed as much weight as possible, I'll start leaving out things that aren't necessary. If I don't want to bring my axe or saw, I'll rely on knowledge by processing wood with a knife and breaking logs with leverage between trees, or not have a fire and stay warm with proper campsite selection and planning ahead to pack appropriately. In short ultralight gear is things that are lightweight, but being ultralight is carrying more knowledge than gadgets, which is not mutually exclusive with bushcraft. They benefit from each other.

[@stuartwarner6719]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 James is right. Only thing I can add is that in the UL crowd the priorities are on minimalism of the number of items, prioritizing multi-use items, and prioritizing the lightest items that will work in the environment you plan on visiting for the time you plan to be there. Some of the UL vocab is illuminating: "luxury items" are things that are not strictly essential for your trip, but increase your comfort or allow you to do other leisure activities. "stupid light" is a term for gear that may well be super light but is just not worth the accompanying hassle or lack of flexibility that you cannot overcome with knowledge/technique (e.g. that chord saw you tested in this video was clearly stupid-light to the point of being nonfunctional). All of this UL philosophy was nailed down even before the Ray Jardine books of the early 90s, but some "controversy" will not go away.... seriously, you see questions like "due to it's lack of multi-use and having functionality only in low-wind days of either heavy rain or strong sun, is the umbrella a luxury item?" Sigh. Clearly, people spend a lot of time surfing the web and dreaming about their next trip.

[@bolby5081]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Good distinction, and one I wish was used more. I think going ultralight requires going minimalist, but one could definitely go minimalist with sturdier bushcraft items.

[@redpillnibbler4423]

For sleep systems/tents check out what ultralight backpackers use,they’ve sussed it out.

[@dannynimmo3052]

You said a lot there brother. Thats actually a very awesome statement. There's so many variables, makes it hard to simplify, but you did a pretty good job right there

[@bastiend7953]

Hey there, French soldier here. The little metal sheet/bar you mentioned is actually to grab onto the side of the ration metallic box. You fold that and it makes a clamp to grab the lip of the can so you don’t burn yourself when you’re done cooking. O7

[@lawrencee9655]

I’m at an age where I prefer that little bit of comfort/peace-of-mind, to the UL stuff. It comes with consequences but I sleep well, eat well and enjoy my time out. I use gas on overnighters and meths/denatured alcohol when in winter or longer hikes - btw remember that drop of water in your alcohol burner to reduce soot build up. The solace of a slower, quieter cooking experience over the volcanic roar of a gas burner can also have its charms. Keep it up Nick. I also have a collapsible twig burner for ‘company’ or cooking, too.

[@robertbates6057]

Obviously the gas burners are hotter / faster but the alcohol burners can run on multiple fuel types and can be bought at any gas station. Also, I agree with Lawrence about noise AND I recently bought the cheap Lixada combo of alcohol / wood. Folds up flat and will take a larger pot / pan.

[@neonsamurai1348]

The energy efficiency vs weight is pretty close. Gas fuel has about twice the energy available per kilogram (around 50.3 MJ/kg for gas, and ethanol is about 25). The kicker though is the gas tank itself will add another 1/3rd or more to the total weight, where as an alcohol package can add little to none (you can always stick the alcohol into the stove before you leave). Personally I prefer a titanium flattening wood mini stove, with the trangia as a backup.

[@redpillnibbler4423]

A flat pack wood stove can be adapted to use as a spirit/Esbit holder and 3 sides used as a windbreak for a ‘remote’ type gas burner as well so it’s a 4 in 1 deal.

[@Sceadusawol]

The titanium flat-pack wood/multifuel stoves are, for me, well worth the purchase. The one I have came with a metal case that I fill with tinder. Not only does it keep the stove pieces together, but it also keeps tinder dry and on hand. Couple that with a single-wall steel or titanium cup and a spork, and you have a pretty comprehensive cook set.

[@ritchie3x3]

I found that without proper windshielding neither option works great. So a ti-bushbox always comes in handy.

[@TheSaneHatter]

What occurs to me about that French "folding stove" is that it could be used as an ultra-thin layer inside one of those military-style "pocket survival tins," as a way to use the tin itself, the lid, and/or the included candle for emergency water-boiling. It certainly seems to belong to the same category of last-ditch, emergency-use gear.

[@davidwhittington7638]

That's what I use the French ultralight stove for.. Well spotted.

[@casinodelonge]

@@davidwhittington7638 I believe it is ideal for cooking snails (one at a time) and frogs legs (depending on the size of the frog).

[@melaniedebagheera7082]

@@casinodelonge 😂

[@murphy7801]

You get one per ration kit in the french rations. Also french use metal tins for rations because they like fancy things like Duck cassoulet. Just slightly undo the ring pull sit tin on the esbit and let it simmer. Fairly good system since don't have to resuse the esbit.

[@iankiff4243]

Just a quick point about Alcohol stoves they can be filled and the lid put on because of the o-ring and a smaller bottle to refill a couple of times depending on how long you will be in the field for and how many meals and drinks you will need. A full fill will give you at least 30 minutes burn time bringing water to a boil in 10 minutes where as a gas stove small canister gives you about 1hr 20 mins bring water to a boil in half the time but there is no way of knowing when it will run out unless you have jotted down the times of every cook on that canister. I learnt to cut my teeth on the hexi burners when in the army I don't use them any more even though I still have 3 of them but keep them for sentiment reasons. Hope this helps anyone who reads this. Take care and stay safe 👍

[@MichaelaWatkins2015]

Indeed, that's what I like about alcohol stoves, I carry just a little more than the fuel I need.

[@iankiff4243]

@@MichaelaWatkins2015 yeah I know it all comes down to preference but they are my chosen stoves and they are bomb proof. Thanks for taking the time to comment 👍

[@pykok]

you can always weight your gas canister and take a note (not very convenient in the field)

[@paulwheble3690]

All very good points; when tramping in NZ I used part-used gas canisters (can't bring them on the plane) and weighed them all on kitchen scales and marked the bottoms. That way I could see which were fuller or emptier and guestimate cooking capacity

[@alexplummer]

Just weigh a full can and compare to the weight of your can, the weight of gas is listed so you can work out the remaining percentage

[@veritas6931]

This is an awesome channel. Having ego free advice from an experienced warrior is priceless. I am just getting into prepping in UK and your advice will literally save lives. Thank you 🇬🇧

[@RHJNewcombe]

The ‘Hungarian’ cooker is the Swedish army meths cooker and part of the Swedish m40 or m44 cook set and windshield. Some surplus companies selling spare windshield and cooker with Hungarian mess kit. I enjoyed your video thank you

[@casinodelonge]

I was lucky enough in the late 80's to be browsing in an Army Surplus shop in Sheffield and came across a little stove that looked a little like an anti-personnel mine, 2 hemispheres which houses a little regulator and a gas tube, you fitted each half of the shells back to back. It was a god send. I'd have brewed up, drank it and packed up while the other lads were still farting about with their hexi-stoves. I loved that thing.

[@scotty5717]

I could watch new uploads weekly.. Knowledgeable, no BS reviews, recommendations of equipment, great demonstrations of bushcraft and camping.

[@rialobran]

Have to be honest it's my 35 year old Trangia all day long for me, with the BCB Mk2 Crusader cooker. I find 150ml of fuel will easily last me 24 hrs, and on the couple of occasions it hasn't the Mk2 doubles as a stick/hexi stove (or cow chips on one trip) It's worked in blizzard conditions when gas has failed and at the end of the day, which of those other stoves will still be going in 35 years?

[@Pete_FamilyLapkinLifeFan]

I have a Trangia as a backup for my Pocket Rocket. Stove and Fuel for a weekend weighs close to nothing.

[@rialobran]

@@Pete_FamilyLapkinLifeFan Whereabouts in Montana are you? I love Montana, especially the Bridger Mountains outside of Bozeman.

[@Pete_FamilyLapkinLifeFan]

@@rialobranNW MT. Lived in Whitefish for 17 years and here in Kalispell for last 2 years. Moving back to childhood home in Florida next April. My "thing" is hiking and camping for photography. I do that a lot in Glacier Park. That said, this area has become OVERRUN with people in the last 5 years. It is not fun anymore. Plus family issues and that I don't have the robust health I used to have, prices skyrocketing, I'm leaving. It's beautiful here but all these people will soon screw it up.

[@Pete_FamilyLapkinLifeFan]

@@rialobran Beautiful area, the Bridger Mts but far too liberal in Bozeman. May as will be in Kalifornia. 😎😎

[@rialobran]

@@Pete_FamilyLapkinLifeFan 😂I go for the scenery not the politics, I've not met someone in Montana I didn't like yet, that's all that matters

[@Ronin6069]

When I was in, it was all hexi's with ali mess tins which blackened when cooking on them. A prolonged wipe over grass cleared up most of the soot. Wasn't long before I bought a small camping gas stove. Cooking was a delight, well as far as a delight from compo rations, the tinned stuff you can get from the 10 man ration pack. All in all, no regrets. Loved the lessons learnt.

[@NoxiousNoodles]

All depends on context. In most cases, ultralight stuff is overkill, but in some cases (alpine, running the OMM etc) it makes sense. All useful tools, just got to consider what is appropriate for your use case.

[@alexchichigin]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 yeah, you've said essentially the same thing in the video. Just to let you know you weren't unclear on this point. :)

[@johnschmalbach8243]

For making the Jet Boil into a Billy pot you don't actually have to drill holes. You can take a thin steel cable and loop it through 2 ferrules. When you crimp them only crimp one side of each. This then allows you to slide the cable along creating an adjustable pot bail that can fit different sized pots/cups, so long as they have a lip like the Jetboil. Lonny of Far North Bushcraft and Survival has an excellent tutorial on making one.

[@ozdavemcgee2079]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 the bushcraft cave has a vid on it. Basically old bike brake cabel and a few brass wire connecters from old light switch. Ppl put it on ss Nalgene water bottle viola a billy can and pretty bomproof. Boil water or scew in lifestraw adapter

[@Pete_FamilyLapkinLifeFan]

Great show as always Nick. I enjoy your straight forward, no BS presentation! I've had a Pocket Rocket for years. One can buy a three leg folding gas cannister support that makes it much more stable. There are several versions on the market but the MSR one is best imo. It works very well and is inexpensive.

[@redpillnibbler4423]

It also keeps it off the cold ground 👍

[@Seamus3051]

Thanks for an honest evaluation of the various kit. Candor is always appreciated. Cheers

[@XIIOSRS]

About the saws, I have the nordic pocket chainsaw, silky and the laplander: In a scenario where I had to only choose one, for years and years of use, it'd be the laplander. Easily. The blade is so forgiving - it's slower, but reliable. In camping trips, overnighters or short use, it'd be the silky because it requries much less effort than the other two saws but is more prone to snapping if it gets caught. The pocket chainsaw is a great bit of kit, you will find yourself burning a similar amount of calories to the laplander, but I love that it's compact and highly durable.

[@Mat-kr1nf]

That last burner is Swedish, some were made by Trangia, others by SVEA. They are from the Swedish Army cookset, I think the reason you think it’s Hungarian is because they are getting rare and some sellers have found the Hungarian mess tin fits in the wind shield- the Swedish mess tin is oval in shape. Anyway, these are basically a larger version of the commercial Trangia burner.😁

[@pmue437]

The same I thought too. The Swedish Armee Trangia Burner is significant larger as the average Trangia Burner. Trangia is a very reliable Cookset. It holds at least 20 years and included a well designed wind shield, enough pans for cooking and an optional Tea/Coffee can. Swedish army asked for reliability from +40 to Minus 30 Celsius. The system is Bulletproof. I use a three decilitre Alu bottle for the spirit which is good for a week or a bit less. It‘s very depended on your cooking. If you boil water that would be way to much spirit.

[@duvessa2003]

The Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set, which consists of a 24oz kettle with 2 nesting mugs, can be had for 15 US Dollars. It’s a well designed piece of equipment at a modest price.

[@rnew1262]

Hi, I commented on one of your videos that I'd prefer a trangia than a gas bottle because of the no noise while burning. Got to say this is a really good video, you make a lot of sense highlighting safety before going light as possible. Thank you

[@roammoan9913]

Great content, the hexi block is made to work on surface area… so break a block in to 4 and it provides half as much more heat than a single block. And of course more black crap to clean off. Cold tea bag.. if you know you know

[@fullonaudio]

Great video. Really appreciate the straight up approach you have

[@scotlackey9819]

This was my first video ive watched on your channel, it was very informative and well done. Thank you

[@gavindownes2953]

I have to say, after viewing all of your videos, just brilliantly done. Really informative and very very honest which I like more than anything because your not promoting what you get paid for. Great content as always. 👍

[@dominicschaeffer909]

as i obsessed about getting the trangia cooker for many months- and not using amazon ever- i happened to be at a thrift store and found a classic fondue pot with stand that holds a can of good ol’ fashion Sterno. same size as a trangia it fits right in the stand and comes with its own fuel gel. one can lasts 3-4 hours. i put a strip of thick aluminum from a disposable roasting pan and wrapped it around the legs of the stand as a wind-break. the stand also fits securely on my pocket rocket and holds any kind of cooking pot/pan from the Stanley nesting cup to a small cast iron skillet. Takeaway: i got into the DIY mindset thanks to these vids. Thanks, Nick!

[@candicehealy1629]

I just loved this video full stop! Well put together and saves me buying crap! Thanks a mill 👍👍

[@walkerone9833]

Interesting how it was no problem lighting the pocket rocket w/a lighter but you were willing to scrap a Jetboil because the piezo igniter was faulty. If you turned the French mini cooker 90 degrees the little bit of extra length should stabilize the Crusader cup a little better. I can see that this unit should be a last alternative as you said it is not built for durability. Bic lighters now make a lighter w/a plastic 1 inch extension for the flame. It makes lighting alcohol stove, solid fuel and folding box stoves ssssoooo much easier. Great vid. Thanks!

[@simonwhite4330]

As always, fantastic content, very much appreciated!

[@MarcS-zu1qf]

I use my almost 30 years old ESBIT Stove everywere before, during and after my time in the army. Solid, light and reliable. If necessary runs with Wood. Thx for a really interesting Video once more. 👍👍👍

[@pandaoutdoors4x4s]

Great video as always good honest reviews on tools and kit you no love the videos mate keep up the great work

[@scottroberts7875]

James Hall summed up very nicely what i was going to try to say. Thank you Mr Hall. Anyway , thank you for sharing your comprehensive knowledge , i wish you continued success and a very prosperous new year, Scott, Somerset

[@hal4192]

Just discovered your channel. All I can say is 'Brilliant'. Keep up the good work. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Revup1]

It worries me that I have somehow ended up with almost exactly the same cook kit. MSR pot, Stanley cook set, Crusader mug (BCB 1996!), MSR pocket rocket, trangia burner, and a crap load of buckshee hexy! I find the Trangia (with a triangle pot stand) to be the best for one day or over nighters. For longer stints it has to be gas. I don't have a jet boil, but a long time ago invested in a primus multifuel stove that sounds like a jet fighter, but isn't very 'tac'. I'd also sing the praises of a little wood burning gasifying stove, not practical when on the move, because it takes too long to get going and cool down, but great for static camping.....though I guess you would prefer an open fire in those situations. I tend to mix and match according to task. I've never trusted the ultra light kit, but then I've been 'indoctrinated' (or is it institutionalised) into a particular way of thinking when it comes to kit (robust, indestructible, cheap as chips!)

[@BlesamaSoul]

Primus multifuel is a great bit of kit, if you can get the Ti version it is easy to carry, but as you say (even with the silencer added) you would never want to use that in a tactical situation as it sounds like a Typhoon warming up on an RAF base

[@Revup1]

@@BlesamaSoul I bought mine for a trip to Africa in the 90's. Thought if I couldn't find gas bottles I could always use something else. I discovered Africa to be so hospitable that I never needed to use it (not much anyway).......though if I ever see another bowl of millet porridge I'll hurl! I use the primus now on high level stuff (Munro bagging) because its invulnerable to the wind and fast to boil.

[@psocretes8183]

The thing with Trangia burners is that they can burn all sorts of fuel. I use meths but have used petrol and vegetable oil. The litre bottle of fuel would last a long time. About a week.

[@sujiut]

No - you have not used petrol in a Trangia. You may have used diesel, if you were desperate, but petrol will qualify you for a Darwin Award (i.e. improving the gene pool by removing yourself from it).

[@Revup1]

@@sujiut YES Sujiut you are right, DON'T USE PETROL IN A TRANGIA!!!! You can however use petrol (more correctly petrol gasified) in a Primus Multifuel stove.

[@kakarikiIck]

Nice advice Nick. Thank You.

[@lookoutpath6520]

Excellent review - kind thanks mate!!!

[@chriscurtis9015]

Informative, excellently presented as always, keep it up Nick, many thanks, Chris in Somerset

[@jakebow5823]

Hi mate, I know you have probably heard this a million times, but the pathfinder canteen cup lid fits the crusader cup almost perfectly, cheer!

[@gezdonaghy2456]

Great video Nick really enjoyed it thank you

[@antoanto5301]

Thank you for field testing all these pieces of kit for us all, you have saved me lots of time and money, light weight isn't always the best, the one thing none of the others mention is top heavy cooking mugs or pots on top of stoves, I've seen some precarious cooking in the wilds, you have to constantly watch what you are cooking and a watched pot never boils! : )

[@johnnel6290]

Thanks for this video. Really appreciate it.

[@shankar_vshankar]

a kevlar/parachord saw needs a slightly different technique from a chain saw - they do indeed burn through the wood and so rapid low pulling force (just enough to create the burn) strokes conserve energy. Also I would wrap the chord around good sized twigs/small branches to make handles to 1) save my fingers pulling on the rings and 2) wind in excess chord to make it a useful length (and also angles make a difference... the less contact the wire has with the wood, the greater the pressure for the same force you're applying. That said I've always found a chain less effort and there is certainly a trade off..... I use a smaller lighter chain for regular expedition use and take survival-dig-in decisions early so I'm not working any more urgently than I have to. Hope this is useful.

[@themodernninja8074]

9o9oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[@themodernninja8074]

9oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[@themodernninja8074]

O9oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo9ooooooooooooooooo

[@themodernninja8074]

9ooooooooooo9oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[@themodernninja8074]

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo99o

[@timosborne8174]

Definitely going to add a few bits from this video into my kit.

[@ksturmer5388]

You are such, a great human being Nick!! Keep it up, Sir! :)

[@korean_foot_traveler8655]

Wow. There are many innovative goods for the easier camping. Thanks for sharing the nice video with useful information.😀👍👍

[@vi0205]

Thank you Nick👍👍👍

[@AScotsmanOutdoors]

Hi Nick, another absolutely superb insight into bushcraft and I personally love seeing / hearing ex-military kit and terms because I can relate. Even better when you drop a gem like "travel light, freeze at night" (I actually hit someone with this recently too 😂). I am constantly running the trade offs between cost, lifespan, usability and such when looking at kit and it's reassuring to know that I am not the only one who does this. I did see those light weight, foldable stoves and my first thought was in fact "that'll break sharpish", so thanks also for proving my thoughts on that. Thanks again for the effort and information you put into your material and I look forward to watching more. Take care and all the best, Bryan.

[@jasongreen6447]

Always helpful which ever way you travel so again top vid top bloke and keep it up pls. Helping me with all my questions and decisions.

[@me19276]

just mewly found your channel and loving it...cheers buddy.

[@davidwhittington7638]

I would like to thank are video host Nick, for his expertise, and straight forward presentation. As an ex Squaddie, I was and still, are trying to find that prefect solution to the equation of weight v practicality.. Each item shown is useful in its own setting. The French stove for instance, looks similar to the Russian folding stove found in Russian food ration's. I'm not sure if the French have bothered to put their flimsy stoves in their rations or not. For me this French stove is for an escape and evasion kit, where size and weight are crucial. If you add a bottom tray bellow the stove, you can get away with using natural materials, to boil a cup of tea. Regarding cups, the Crusader Cup, is a copy of the American GI cup, used in WW2. I use to use the original metal made cups that were created for our water bottles, back in the day, that had lids you could fry food on.. I still use this type of cup on long hikes, with the Belgium and French style stoves, sometimes known us NATO stoves. It fits round the bottom of the cup perfectly for storing, and is lighter than a lot of others solid fuel stoves. Having used, most of the stoves presented, I shy away from fueled stoves, such as gas and fluids, unless in very cold snowy conditions. However it must be remembered for those climbing heights, some pressurized stoves will not operate at certain altitudes. In the end, I personally, use small folding stoves, for survival boxes, Esbit or NATO stoves for general use, and "adjustable" pressure stoves, for winter and altitudes. If I was to pick one stove for the extreme long term use, it would be a solid fuel stove, either the British Army stove, the Esbit, which is the same design but half the size and weight, or the NATO stove. These are my personal views through years of experience. I know there are many different ideas out there, and depending on price, lighter materials. Once again, I thank our host for his presentation, and allowing old war dogs to talk about such subjects.

[@The-Yorkshire-Man]

Top vid as ever Nick. You just reaffirmed how much I hated hexi cookers back in the day. The sticky residue was a devil to clean off mess tins. I swore by a Coleman multi fuel however it was ‘Ultraheavyweight’ with the Sigi bottle of fuel.

[@robch4414]

Thanks for another excellent video. The Kevlar saw message about the energy wasted using less efficient kit is fundamental; you could add complex and unstable (vs intuitive and secure) as another no-no for anyone tired, cold and wet and with brain and fingers not working properly. I'd be interested to hear your views on possible weight savings in the choice of shelter and sleep systems, where the major pack weight is.

[@debbiedawsonpeterdawson3251]

The small hook is for use with the foil tin of food Found in the french ration packs.

[@fireforger9192]

When I was in the mob we never had crusader mugs, however I did buy myself a metal black mug that fitted my issue water bottle and pouch still have this and it's bombproof. Initially when I was in basic and we went on adventure training I bought myself a miniature camping Gaz stove that came with 2 little pans that you put the stove into when not in use, it was good however quickly realised not that tactical. After a few years came across the alcohol gel burners and bought one with a clip on attachment that a mess tin or my metal fitted on really good, lit easily every time quiet and got hot quick. Much better than hexy blocks which I agree I will never forget the smell! One thing I would say is ultra light has its place but generally from experience is more expensive and doesn't stand up to hard use. Just my opinion for all you climbers, good video bought back some memories take it easy.

[@baccussailing1]

Caused me to do more kit collecting shopping. Keep the vids coming.

[@colinhefferman5498]

Mate, I've watched a few of these bushcraft channels and yours is by far the most practical, informative and pragmatic I've seen. Keen it up mate. Let me know when you're in NZ for a look around :-)

[@Nobby77]

Great run down mate

[@ionageman]

Just ordered my first hike backpack since I was in scouts 40 years ago .. because of your videos . I love camping and have done it all my life . I’ll take stainless steel over cheap aluminium every time . A berghaus , trailhead 65

[@funkygreendog1]

Nice review mate!

[@sifusasdo2314]

Cool Video 👍 Thank U for the Info and the Links 👍

[@Sceadusawol]

If you're going to carry a Trangia for solo use, I do think that the Trangia Mini is worth a look. Significantly smaller than a regular Trangia 27 and much lighter. Trangia Mini stats: Dimensions: 152 x 64 x 64 mm Weight: 330g Trangia 27 stats: Dimensions: 185 x 185 x 100 mm Weight: 720g The stats, of course, are for the whole cooksets. If you're just grabbing the burner, this become different, but then you also have to factor in other components of your cookset.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

The French Army issue one of those little folding stoves inside each 24 or 12 hour ration pack.

[@auroraharper572]

i love your videos and i recently bought myself a laplander over a silky pocketboy and one of the main reasons was your priase of the saw, and i must say its one of my favourite saws ive ever used keep up the great content its amazing

[@ritchie3x3]

Very good and instructive video. I remember my first "EDC" bag, weighing like a couple of tons ... than I went to ultralight, slept cold and have now kinda found truth in the middle. :)

[@pnyarrow]

Hi. Thank you for a load of information which I have to agree with. Keep the vids comaing and stay safe. ATB. Nigel

[@rickarmstrong9793]

Found your channel a couple hours ago, watched several videos, and just clicked subscribe and the bell to get notifications of all your videos. I'm in the process of going from car camping with the family to solo canoe camping, and maybe a bit of backpacking. With car camping, weight was never an issue. I love my Coleman 2 burner liquid fuel stove. One tank of fuel does several mealse. But now I'm looking at reducing both size and weight. This video gave me a lot to think about. I'm really liking the idea of a liquid or gel fuel. Far cheaper than tanks of gas, and a lot more environmentally friendly.

[@oaknhazel541]

Another winner with this one! George W Sears "Nessmuk" might disagree with the freeze at night bit! He was the king of ultralight over 150 years ago! That being said, I really appreciate your assessment of the pocket chainsaw. I've often wondered about those but you are the first ive seen take it seriously and actually do a demo with it! That Kevlar Saw was terrible! As I said, another great video, thank you so much for your time!

[@mattyp80]

I saw the UL gel fuel burner just the other day and being an engineer, immediately thought that the sides would break if you tried flattening it and re-assembling it! Thank you for saving me the £5 shippers 😉😎 Another great vid. super stuff chap! I also have a slighty (read: much) larger gas stove (which fits inside my Zebra billy can) which has a hose but i have an adapter that allows me to use the cheap Campingaz Isobutane 220g cans - the sort you get for one of those cheap single burner camping stoves from Halfords! They seem to last well and being a bigger burner ring, heats my pot, cup or billy quite rapidly and is not that much extra weight!

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

Helpful review Nick 👌. I thought the French stove looked like it was meant to stay set up, since it looked very fragile. Where cooking and carrying is concerned, I would prefer extra weight if that meant more reliability.

[@allthisuselessbeauty]

Top Video Mate ! Keep Em Up ! Best Wishes !!!!

[@krungstar4541]

Bin the hexy cooker and just take 3x 6inch nails. Sturdy, reliable, light weight, adaptable, and can use them over a great deal of fuel sources. Also you can adjust the heights of individual nails in the ground to cook on uneven ground.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

He’s a Marine! He’d break one, lose the other and get the third one pregnant :)

[@CristiNeagu]

That's assuming you have somewhere to mount those nails. I grant you that this shouldn't be a problem in most places in Britain, as you can usually find some log or some clay to stick them into. But what if you're on sand? Or on rocky ground? Also, especially in Britain, it's a bad idea to make a fire right on the soil surface. Not only you risk lighting peat on fire, but the wet and damp soil will suck the energy out of your fire, making it difficult to start. And lastly, you have to carry something to drive those nails into wood or soil. It's an ingenious solution, yes, but there are far better options.

[@krungstar4541]

@@CristiNeagu well some valid points there, but no system will be right for every environment. Most of the time you can find a rock or a stick to use as a makeshift hammer to put the in the ground, of you can't just place them in by hand. In terms of lighting a fire on peat or the ground sucking away heat, I don't think it is the nails that are the determining factor, a thin layer of aluminium from the hexy burner does not help either. It is more how you layer the fire 🔥

[@krungstar4541]

@Sir Scofferoff true, especially if you bend the top to give a flatter surface.

[@CristiNeagu]

@@krungstar4541 Well, that's the thing about survival. You need to know the area. You can't just go in blind.

[@andykjohnsonjohnson7622]

Nice video 👍, fabulous advice & information. I use the folding fox stove myself. I Was a Lance Corporal in Royal Artillery England, in my younger years, Teaching cadets survival skills . Now I live in B.C 🇨🇦 😃. The training & skills I learned really helped me, got thow hard times. Obtaining food & resources from the, surrounding areas. When cash 💸 flow is low . Salmon, Crayfish ,trout , Mushrooms. If it's fresh & Free 👍😋😋😋. They should really teach kids at school about self survival skills 🤔.

[@garystroud6153]

I have several circa 1950 "Boys Own" type camping "how to" books. Most of the stuff is of interest only but one tip is for windbreaks, primarily for cycle campers but worth a thought. "Carry four spare spokes (obviously ones that fit your wheel) add a yard or so of light canvas about a foot wide with a turn up at each end that a spoke will pass through. Push the spokes into the ground in a square round your stove". I have something similar that my late wife's uncle made years ago for himself, I have used it and it works! You can adjust the height to allow air under the edge and still shelter the pot, I used it with a little Primus stove just to see if it worked and was surprised how effective it was. Haven't tried it with my Trangia 27 as generally only use it with the kettle for tea stops but I guess it would help if I used a pot that sticks out the top. Given modern stainless spokes, or similar rod, and modern fabrics a very light but efficient screen could be produced. My training in campcraft started with my ex army dad, progressed via instructing R & I parties out of HMS Sultan (A long time ago now but we tried a range of stoves to find one that was "Jackproof" and hard to break, the Trangia won), through a time as a scout leader and an awful lot of errors with family and diving groups "under canvas". I have an EDC bag that lives in the car, when I'm out and about, with a Coleman multi fuel stove, not the lightest but I'm not carrying it, and most of the other things you have listed plus a plastic snow shovel. We used a Kelly kettle when we took a trip round the top of Scotland, with a loaded car, for ease of use at stops. I just took a pair of secateurs off into the heather and found a few dead and dry bits, a few drops of BBQ starter gel and we were away. Obviously filled it before starting out but it gave us a big mug of tea and a cup-a-soup each too plus enough hot water left over to rinse out the mugs. Somewhere in the back of the garage I have what must be a second world war army issue chainsaw. It weighs a ton and I suspect it is designed for two man use but it coils up into a canvas carry bag, I used to keep it in the camper van when we had one after being held up for half a day by a downed tree in Wales, unable to turn round and retreat because of other trees down and, thankfully, undamaged other traffic blocking the road. I'll keep an eye out for the Nordic version. Great work Nick loving the VLOGS.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

It’s a triad. Functionality vs weight vs price. For any given price point, you have a choice between the functionality of the kit and its weight. For all those gramme Nazis on through hikes it’s all about weight. But imagine throwing their rucksacks on and off a 4-tonner a few times. My Karrimor SF 60-100* weighs the same as a small car even when empty, but it’s bombproof. The pro tip with the hexe for your viewers is to wipe off the mug/mess tin with either a used damp tea bag or even just wiping it across grass. * A replacement for my earlier Berghaus Cyclops Roc which eventually died after 20 years of abuse over many different projects. I don’t think many of those ultralight bags would have survived that.

[@martinerhard8447]

Yep functionality, weight, price...usually the rule is that you can only have two. like cheap, functional and heavy (e.g. standart tent) expensive, fuctional and lightweight (e.g. silnylon or dcf tents) but there are some exceptions to this of course

[@LC128]

I had a jet boil. After few year same issue clicker contacted jet boil. They said there fix it for £50. Sold it for parts for then got a highlander one had no issues

[@james0000]

Really depends how often you use the jet boil and I dare say the quality has went down over time. I have had mine for about 16 years now and it still works like new, even the piezo igniter but it only gets used about 50 times a year as I don't rely on it for much. You can of course remove the igniter if it fails and they have started selling replacements for about $10 USD.

[@stephengarrett8076]

Great review, personally I rate the British hexi but very interesting seeing the different options. Thanks for your time.

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Go light stay cold at night couldn't agree more my saying is if you can carrie it take best to be comfortable than have a bad night out atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍

[@martinerhard8447]

Go light stay cold at night? Sounds pretty dumb considering how lightweight modern sleeping pads and down bags are.

[@guillaumewilliams5215]

Hi mate. About the French army cooking kit, that little metal piece is to connect on the meal cans that are issued inside the MREs. That way you can pick up your food without burning yourself

[@hapax-si2fd]

AND I love seeing some reviews that aren't all love this is great. Call a piece of kit that's no good, no good. Too many on you tube edit and work video magic to make whatever they are selling this week look good even when they fill on know they would never carry it or use it. U tell it like ya see it and I for one respect that a ton. Good on ya sir.

[@kristofferkoczko4806]

It's nice to see that I cary many of the same items as you :) Regarding the alco burner they work better in cold climate and you can always use a smaller container for your fuel (handy for solo trips). I would recomend you try out the Bushbox Ultralight it can handle gel fuel solid fuel, will fit an alco burner and it will work as an twig stove. it is very light and robust if you can keep it safe when not assembled.

[@ChrisLambert-Yngvegodi]

Good video Nick, thanks. Only thing that I could see being a major variable with the stoves is the effect of wind on the flames.

[@damonfinken]

Cooking tip I learned from a study. The study was through a scientific study on size of pan, fuel efficiency, burners, materials of cookware, and which is better. Of the ultimate answer was the same as always... it depends. An answer we as consumers are used to. But the study did answer the... WHY it depends. Fuel efficiency came up with matching the size of the ban bottom to the width of the flame, as they used the tern flame splash. Any flame that splashes beyond the bottom of the pan or up the side of the pan reduces fuel efficiency. Wider pan cook faster because you can use a larger flame without flame splash. And if it has a guide or ridge to catch the heat, it increases both speed of cooking as well as fuel efficiency. It also saves fuel to cook slower with low simmering flame because the heat has more of an opportunity the be transfered into the cold water/food, rather than splashing outside into the atmosphere. This is the answer to the question of which is better. The best is the flame you can control with a valve. Otherwise you are carrying wasted energy. Then you have versatility with many options of pan size and materials for cookware. And some cookware is better than others but varies for your needs.

[@markkoehler5110]

Silky Gomboy saw is the cat’s meow 😊

[@EireGenX]

Great video thanks.

[@stetomlinson3146]

Excellent review of the cooking options Nick, thank you. My preferred kit for a day in the woods, or even a longer trip, is my Firebox Nano stove with a Trangia burner. It gives me the option of a small wood fire, or spirit stove. All topped off with the Crusader mug. If I’m on a multi day hike, I’ve done the coast to Coast a couple of times, I take an Asoto Windmaster gas burner and Fire Maple pot. It’s similar to your Jetboil pot with the flame spreader, but smaller in height. You can get tempted by all sorts of options, like all outdoor kit, but keeping it simple and reliable is the best idea every time, would be my suggestion to anyone starting out. I certainly agree with your RM adage about lightweight kit. If you need to save ounces on your stove, are you fit enough to be out there in the first place! 😉🤔

[@williamgrech930]

Nice vid as always mate. I also had some pronlems with my jetboil clicker, I just use matches or a lighter to light it.

[@matthewvelo]

Thanks Nick. I use a bit of a mix of each; UL gear if I'm on an overnighter and aren't going to be in cold weather, I take a gas & titanium cook set. Longer or colder and its the Trangia 25 and more solid gear. One thing that never changes in the load out is tools. If the spam hits the fan, tools can help keep you warm and safe, and I've never seen someone make a saw or a knife in the field.

[@danw8012]

With the Nordic pocket saw, the reason it comes with one ring not attached is your supposed to put the other ring maybe 600mm along the chord and wrap the resr into a ball. As it wears out you move along the chord. That's why it comes with alot of chord. I don't like them either. I agree I would only have it if I was a climber.

[@harryhimpson5663]

love the french cooker its perfect as a one time use emergency item to put in a edc pack

[@mr.lonesquirrel1397]

Great video, thanks. I was very lucky to find a Trangia Triangle in a camping shop that was closing down, and its rapidly becoming my favourite set up. Can use it with the Trangia meths burner or with a little pot insert if I'm burning fuel tabs. I dont know why but I've never really been into using gas stoves, think it's probably because I spent so many years as a kid with my Dad's old army Hexy stuff.

[@sheraliawan7859]

As always , wonderfull vedio.

[@OUTDOORCRIB]

Thanks for the review. I learn something like a beginers like me. From philippines. Subscribed

[@trevorday7979]

Another great vid Nick. 👍 If I can carry it, I’ll take it. (Test and adjust per trip) in lead up before a big expedition I’d reckon. Hexi stoves were great kit when issued, but residue/cleaning use to do my head, but still have a place and cheap price point. If quick brew on the run required, I’ve opted for gas = quick, cleaner & convenient. If I don’t want to carry it, then small fire every time. Even it takes longer….it’s about slowing down, enjoy your surrounds and take joy in the process! Keep up the good work mate. 🤝🇦🇺

[@trevorday7979]

If you want a laugh, check out the Savotta pocket saw ad depicting use…classic👍

[@MichaelaWatkins2015]

Great video. I use gas when cooking for two at camp, otherwise its a Trangia all the way for me with some sort of pot stand and a 10cm Zebra Billy can. I also have the Dutch army kidney mug and love it. I agree though, those flimsy ultralight French things won't last long imo.

[@AdventuresofGraywolf]

put a toggle in each keyring on the kevlar saw to make it MUCH easier. I bought a replacement chainsaw chain, added the finger rings, and had the same problem. After I grabbed a couple toggles just under the diameter of the ring inside, I could pull much harder with zero pain. That said, that kevlar thing is hella strong for its size but it has no teeth to cut with. Also, yellow Heet is a super cheap fuel for that trangia. I carry a trangia with 1/2L of heet as well as a collapsible wood stove that also fits the trangia and makes it more efficient

[@lawrencefieselman3803]

Really enjoyed the video. Here in the states we can get Heet in the yellow bottle. Its cheap and burns well without a residue so I use that in my several alcohol stoves. However, I prefer to cook over fire, as do you. I love the Firebox Nano because its light and very compact and can also be used with the alcohol stove. Keep up the great vids, mate.

[@billyaitken1713]

⛺️🔥🤠👍, great set of comparisons 👏👏👏. Good observation about the jetboil cup - 'cooling fins' on the bottom of it 🤔, it's a quality build though......

[@seasoldier3902]

Another good video Nick. BZ! The Hexi cooker is now redundant! MoD use the Fire Dragon fuel and a cooker similar to the French cooker but is a little larger - Squaddy Proof!! Trangia Cooker - It will hold about 70ml of meths/fuel giving around 25 minutes of burn time. If you put a teaspoon of water with the fuel it will not leave a thick sooty residue on the pot; making it easier to clean. 14 fillings from a 1 Ltr. 14 times 25 mins equals 350 minutes; which is approximately six hours. I hope this helps. BCB also provide a cooker system for the Crusader mug. You can use Fire Dragon fuel, Trangia burner or at a pinch small kindling to use as fuel.

[@seasoldier3902]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 All is well thanks. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos Nick. Please keep up your good work.

[@MikeWood]

My light carry option for short hikes - especially in the winter when I might want to possibly make a tea (but nothing more complex), is an Esbit. A folding wind screen around it and a couple of small blocks do the job. Closer to the British issue size than the French option. Hadn't heard of the fire gel. Might have to look into that. :)

[@bigg4089]

You missed reviewing one of the most popular combos: the tiny BRS stove and lixada titanium mug. As long as you use a canister supporting works well enough for brews on a day out or an overnight, especially with a windshield. You can also refill the small canisters at home using a lindl valve.